Invasive Species
What are Invasive Species?
Non-native invasive plants, whether accidentally introduced or purposefully used in gardening, aggressively push out native species because there are no naturally occurring predators, insects or diseases to control their populations.
Many invasive species are not native to Westchester, originating from Asia, Europe, or other parts of the United States. They dominate areas where they become established. They are commonly found along roadsides, the edges of lawns and forests, in open areas, and in many other areas where native vegetation has been disturbed.
Invasive species removal is extremely important to the biodiversity in Westchester. The following are commonly found in Irvington and should be removed. Note each individual species has its own best management practices. We encourage hand removal of these species and stress the use of chemicals as a last resort.
Scroll down to see additional invasive species.
New York State defines an invasive species as “nonnative to a particular ecosystem, and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health."
Resources to learn more:
DEC Prohibited Invasive Species List
PRISM
Planting Westchester
Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management
Help map invasive species for science
Boats and invasive species
Adirondacks Invasive Species Management
Spotted Lanternfly
The Spotted Lanternfly has arrived in Irvington.
Resources:
Penn State
On Insecticides
Making circle tree traps
DEC NYS
Homemade trap demo by a teenager
Management of Tree-of-heaven
Cornell
Expand for instructions on treatment of the Spotted Lanternfly
Other Invasive Species
Japaenese Barberry
English Ivy
Tree of Heaven
Amur Honeysuckle
Norway Maple Trees
Euonymus Alatus
Japanese Knotweed
